What Happened This Year 1945

People Who Died in 1945

Gustav Flatow

German gymnast and Olympic medalist
Born
January 7th, 1875 151 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 70 years old

Competed in gymnastics during the early 20th century, achieving notable success in international competitions. Participated in the 1896 Summer Olympics, contributing to the sport's development in Germany. Acquired several national titles and was a prominent figure in gymnastics, exemplifying the art and discipline of the sport.

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Percy Perrin

English cricketer and first-class player
Born
May 26th, 1876 150 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1876, this individual played cricket primarily for Essex and had a first-class career that spanned from 1897 to 1914. He was a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler. Over his career, he participated in numerous matches, showcasing his skills in both batting and bowling. His contributions helped shape the early years of the club's competitive stature.

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Margot Frank

Holocaust victim and diary author
Born
February 16th, 1926 100 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 19 years old

Born in Germany in 1926, a Jewish girl faced persecution during World War II. In 1933, fled to the Netherlands with the family to escape Nazi discrimination. In 1942, went into hiding in Amsterdam with the family to avoid deportation. This period was documented in a diary, providing insight into life in hiding. Arrested in 1944 and deported to Auschwitz and later to Bergen-Belsen, where she died in early 1945.

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Yi Wu

Japanese-Korean Colonel
Born
November 15th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 33 years old

Born on November 15, 1912, one individual served as a colonel in the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. This person was involved in military strategies and operations during the period of Japanese occupation in Korea. The leadership roles undertaken in the army positioned this individual in significant historical contexts related to military governance in Korea. Post-war, continued engagement with military affairs reflected the complex nature of identity in a divided Korea, especially during the era marked by the geopolitical struggles between Japan and Korea.

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Violette Szabo

French-British secret agent during WWII
Born
June 26th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 24 years old

Served as a secret agent in World War II, engaging in sabotage and reconnaissance missions in occupied France. Joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and completed multiple successful missions, including assisting the French Resistance. Captured in 1944, endured torture before being executed at the Ravensbrück concentration camp.

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Anne Frank

Diariest; author of 'The Diary of a Young Girl'
Born
June 12th, 1929 97 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 16 years old

Born in Frankfurt, a Jewish girl moved to Amsterdam to escape Nazi persecution. During World War II, lived in hiding with her family in the secret annex of her father's office. Documented experiences in a diary, which later became a significant historical account of the Holocaust. The diary was published posthumously under the title 'The Diary of a Young Girl', gaining worldwide recognition and contributing to the understanding of the impact of war and discrimination on individual lives.

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Franz Schädle

German SS officer during WWII
Born
November 19th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 39 years old

Served as an SS officer during World War II. Held positions in various Nazi military units, contributing to the regime's efforts. Participated in operations that aligned with the organization's goals and ideology. Post-war actions and affiliations drew attention in historical accounts of the conflict and associated atrocities.

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Jac. P. Thijsse

Botanist and conservationist, 'Flora of the Netherlands'
Born
July 25th, 1865 160 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent botanist and conservationist, significantly contributed to the understanding of the Dutch flora and the importance of nature conservation. Advocated for the protection of nature and was active in establishing natural reserves in the Netherlands. Authored 'Flora of the Netherlands', a key reference work that detailed various plant species in the region. Played a crucial role in the establishment of the Dutch Society for Nature Conservation, which focuses on preserving natural habitats.

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Jack Thayer

American businessman and Titanic survivor
Born
December 24th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 51 years old

Born on December 24, 1894, a businessman associated with the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. Survived the disaster by escaping on a lifeboat. After the Titanic incident, focused on a business career, including involvement in railroads and real estate. Represented a generation affected by the economic changes of the early 20th century.

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